It would very much be at the discretion of the membership committee, do you know any masons currently that would be willing to vouch for you?
Greetings.
It might not be at the discretion of a membership committee, if you are in Victoria, your application would definitely be referred to the Grand Master.
If you can't clearly demonstrate a change, you're sunk, and the reality is a custodial sentence in addition to a conviction will be something they will be looking for more details on. And 8 years ago is not two decades....
How you present is critical, and I'm not talking about superficial things likes if you have tats, but your personality and character. I would be asking about if you have kids and how you provide for them, what's your employment situation and your current associates, the stability and path of your current life today and in recent years, what community contribution do you currently make - I would be looking for a sustained change as a starting point before I would look at such an applicant. (Sorry, but being upfront). The reality is I have a person close to me who has had a custodial sentence, but 30 years ago, and I would propose him in a flash, but his application would have the great benefit of a well known Freemason advocating on his behalf, a history of raising a family in a stable and caring environment, volunteering in the community, raising two wonderful sons, a work history showing dedication and a willingness to work hard at menial jobs to provide for his children and wife, the complete absence of drug or violent crime; and armed robbery charge is a very serious one indeed - but again, (and don't answer), how often was the offense committed and at what age and circumstance and how long ago.
However I would say this, your interest in Freemasonry sounds driven by self improvement, the regardless of if you can or cannot become a Freemason, that change is what's important and there are many paths to travel to achieve it.